My Response to the "Vibram Lawsuit"

As the "barefoot runner" in the crowd, I just want to state my fully qualified and educated opinion about the whole Vibram FiveFingers lawsuit/debate. I've seen several people post this article and have read a lot of "interesting" comments from people ranging from how ugly the shoes are to how they are certain that these shoes contributed to their own injury to still others who remain loyal to their "toe shoes."

First of all, I don't think Vibram (pronounced VEE-brum) did anything deceptive in their advertising; nothing every other running shoe company already does to promote their product. Or just about any company who claims that their product will make you "better, stronger, healthier or faster." It's ADVERTISING. Far, far, FAR more people have been injured wearing traditional running shoes than in Vibrams. Yet, they aren't suing the shoe companies. Yet.

When transitioning from a standard, heel-elevated, cushioned running shoe to a zero-drop minimalist shoe, one needs to do so gradually to build up the muscles that haven't previously been used (calves, ankles, feet). If one does too much too soon (commonly abbreviated TMTS in barefoot running circles), you are guaranteed to get injured. I did when I first switched from Asics to Vibrams. But it was my own fault. I wanted to jump right into minimalist running. I was off for 6 weeks with peroneal tendonitis and had to postpone my first marathon. I went to a (quack) podiatrist who never heard the word "minimalist" before and scoffed at me. He "prescribed" Spira Stinger running shoes along with custom orthotics. I followed his orders and ended up with aching knees and sore hips. I went back to my Vibrams, but did so more gradually and really learned to listen to my body.

I have been running minimalist and barefoot, wearing only zero-drop shoes, for the past 5 years. I have run 4 marathons in Vibrams. I have not been injured since my initial TMTS experience. I love my Vibrams and also my Altra Running, Vivobarefoot, and Merrell zero-drop shoes.

Although I practice a minimalist running philosophy, I advocate that everyone find a shoe that works for them and to stick with it, whether it be a monster pair of Hokas, a pair of stability or motion-control Brooks, or no shoes at all! If someone asks me why I run barefoot, I let them know that since doing so, I have been injury-free with no knee pain. It works for me! I also suggest that everyone do a little bit of barefoot training to strengthen the underused muscles that don't get worked in regular training shoes. But I definitely don't suggest that my way is superior or advocate that *everyone* go minimalist. I support all runners and their decision to put what they want on their feet. I just ask the same respect in return.

It's sad that we live in such a litigious society. I will continue to stand behind Vibram and think that anyone collecting money from this lawsuit is a moron who deserves to be injured. Haters gonna hate.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/10/_n_5302213.html